Chandler D Montgomery1, Daniel E Pereira2, Jeremy B Hatcher2, Darlene Kilbury3, Stephanie Ballance3, Tamala Bradham2, Maria C Duggan4, Sarah A Welch5. 1. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2209 Garland Avenue, Nashville, TN, USA 37240-0002. Electronic address: chandler.d.montgomery@vanderbilt.edu. 2. Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2209 Garland Avenue, Nashville, TN, USA 37240-0002. 3. Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN, USA 37232. 4. Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN, USA 37232; Department of Veteran Affairs, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, 1310 24th Ave S, Nashville, TN, USA 37212. 5. Department of Veteran Affairs, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, 1310 24th Ave S, Nashville, TN, USA 37212; Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2201 Children's Way, Suite 1318, Nashville, TN, USA 37212.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To implement a system for assessing and documenting patient mobility in an inpatient geriatric unit using a quality improvement framework. METHODS: Whiteboards incorporating the Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility scale were placed on each door of the unit. Staff were trained to assess and document patient mobility, and documentation compliance was measured. Nurses were surveyed to assess perceived burden of the system. Fall rates were calculated and analyzed for change from baseline. RESULTS: Median daily documentation rates reached 79% by the end of the project. Surveys indicated a low perceived burden of the system. Fall rates did not increase when compared to the previous year baseline (p = 0.80) and the analogous time frames during the previous two years (p = 0.84). CONCLUSION: A quality improvement framework may be used to improve mobility assessment and documentation in a geriatric unit without increasing patient falls or nursing burden.
OBJECTIVE: To implement a system for assessing and documenting patient mobility in an inpatient geriatric unit using a quality improvement framework. METHODS: Whiteboards incorporating the Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility scale were placed on each door of the unit. Staff were trained to assess and document patient mobility, and documentation compliance was measured. Nurses were surveyed to assess perceived burden of the system. Fall rates were calculated and analyzed for change from baseline. RESULTS: Median daily documentation rates reached 79% by the end of the project. Surveys indicated a low perceived burden of the system. Fall rates did not increase when compared to the previous year baseline (p = 0.80) and the analogous time frames during the previous two years (p = 0.84). CONCLUSION: A quality improvement framework may be used to improve mobility assessment and documentation in a geriatric unit without increasing patient falls or nursing burden.
Authors: José L Boerrigter; Sven J G Geelen; Marike van der Schaaf; Anne M Eskes; Marc G Besselink; Mark I van Berge Henegouwen; Willem A Bemelman; Susan van Dieren; Janneke M de Man-van Ginkel Journal: BMC Surg Date: 2022-02-02 Impact factor: 2.102